Passengers hailing cabs in Chicago starting Sunday may want to read the fine print on the taxi placards before they get in. In addition to the base fare, cab drivers for the first time can charge sick passengers a $50 vomit cleanup fee.

The new regulation is just one of myriad laws taking effect July 1.

The halfway point of 2012 means the start of new laws across the United States. CNN producers canvassed the country and found some of the more unusual regulations and downright quirky bills worthy of our Top 20: